Mission Statement

To honor the life of Nick Castellanos by providing college scholarships to Coronado High School senior lacrosse players, and assisting in the funding of Silver Strand State Beach Junior Guards and Chico State Men's Lacrosse Club.

About Nick Castellanos

Nick Castellanos, age 18 passed away on January 16, 2015 in a tragic accident. Though Nick's life was cut short, he left a tremendous impact on everyone he encountered. All who were blessed to know Nicholas will miss his infectious smile, his wonderful sense of humor, his kind heart, his drive and determination to succeed in every endeavor, and his enthusiasm and zest for life.

Nick attended Coronado High School in Coronado, CA where he learned to love the game of lacrosse. He first learned how to play as a Freshman, and his skills were far below those of his peers who had been playing for many years prior. This didn't phase Nick at all. He gave his all in every practice and in the gym. Through hard work and determination, Nick gradually caught up to his peers by his Senior year, setting the school's record for most goals scored in a season and earning himself the nickname of "el Gun." Not only did Nick excel on the field, but he excelled in life. He was a good student, a strong leader and most importantly, a friend to all. As one of his friends stated, "No one was too small for Nick." He often took fellow students under his wing, and he was always eager to befriend the new kid, the loner and the shy. He included all, and it was important to him they they felt accepted.

Nick spent his summers at Silver Strand State Beach participating and volunteering in the Silver Strand State Beach Junior Lifeguard program. He began when he was just nine years old, and he spent the following nine summers in the program. Not only did he have a love for the ocean, but he enjoyed learning about ocean rescue and safety, enduring the vigorous fitness routines and most of all, spending time with the lifeguards, aides and junior guards also participating in the program. He made lifelong friends, and he treasured every summer with them.

Nick went on to attend California State University, Chico in Fall of 2014. He absolutely loved it there, dividing his time among hanging out with his dorm friends "The Boys", studying, and practicing and playing lacrosse with the Chico State Men's Lacrosse Club. The lacrosse team held a special place in his heart. After only being with the team four short months, he considered his teammates to be his brothers. And his teammates felt the same of him. Upon his passing, they were devastated, and even made the ten hour bus ride down to Coronado to attend his memorial service. Our family was touched by the team's devotion to Nick, and we are comforted in knowing that he spent his time in Chico among those who truly cared for him.

All who knew Nick were devastated by his passing. He had such a full and promising life ahead of him. Through the Nick Castellanos Foundation, we hope to carry on the legacy of Nick by helping the organizations which meant so much to him.